Amsterdam comes alive in July with an incredible array of cultural experiences spanning music, cinema, comedy, art, and more. From world class concerts to unique cultural festivals, the city offers something for every taste. Here's your comprehensive guide to the best events happening in Amsterdam this July.
Top Concerts You'll Want Tickets For This Summer
Kendrick Lamar & SZA - Grand National Tour
Sunday, July 13, 2025 - 19:00
Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam
Two of music's most influential artists join forces for this monumental show. Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar brings his lyrical mastery and powerful stage presence alongside Grammy winning R&B sensation SZA. Expect a spectacular production featuring hits from both artists’ acclaimed catalogs.
Franz Ferdinand
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - 19:30 (doors open)
Zuiderparktheater - The Hague
Scottish indie rock icons Franz Ferdinand bring their energy and catalog of hits to the beautiful outdoor setting of Zuiderparktheater. Known for their danceable post punk revival sound and charismatic live performances, the band continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
KT Tunstall
Sunday, July 20, 2025 - 20:30
Paradiso - Amsterdam
Grammy nominated Scottish singer songwriter KT Tunstall brings her powerful vocals and distinctive guitar style to Amsterdam's iconic Paradiso. Known for hits like "Suddenly I See” and “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, she delivers an energetic live show blending folk, rock, and pop influences.
Nana Benz du Togo
Sunday, July 13, 2025 - 20:30
Tolhuistuin (via Paradiso) - Amsterdam
This five piece ensemble from Togo weaves together ceremonial voodoo traditions, electronic beats, and soulful vocals into a hypnotic and rhythmic experience. Deeply rooted in West African musical heritage yet forward thinking in their approach, Nana Benz du Togo creates a mesmerizing live performance.
Concerts Films & Music Documentaries Screening
Roger Waters – This is not a Drill – Live from Prague
July 23 & 27, 2025
FilmHallen (Amsterdam), Filmkoepel (Haarlem), The Movies (Amsterdam)
This cinematic showcases Waters’ legendary music alongside powerful visual storytelling and political commentary. The film presents a stunning 360° stage production featuring classic Pink Floyd tracks and solo material.
Tickets are available through venues websites or rogerwaters.film
Festivals You Can't Miss
Awakenings Festival
July 11-13, 2025
Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek (near Amsterdam)
One of the world's premier techno festivals, Awakenings brings together over 100 top electronic music artists across multiple stages. The 2025 lineup features techno luminaries like Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, Ben Böhmer, and Adam Beyer, alongside rising stars in the electronic music scene.
7Fest
Saturday, Jul 19, 2025 - to 13:00 until 23:00
Malieveld, The Hague
7Fest celebrates musical diversity with a lineup spanning pop, hip-hop, tech house, amapiano, afrobeat, and latin music. The 2025 edition features international star Tems alongside Dutch favorites Frenna, Ronnie Flex, Jonna Fraser, and exciting talents like Uncle Waffles and DBN Gogo.
Amsterdam Roots Festival
Sunday, Jul 6, 2025 - to 13:00 until 22:00
Oosterpark - Amsterdam
This free festival celebrates global musical traditions with performances across multiple stages in Amsterdam's beautiful Oosterpark. Beyond music, the Roots Festival features dance, circus, theater, children's activities, workshops, and international food vendors, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Julidans
July 2 - 13, 2025
Various locations across Amsterdam
Amsterdam's premier international contemporary dance festival transforms the city into a celebration of movement and expression. Featuring cutting edge choreographers and dance companies from around the world, Julidans presents performances ranging from intimate solo pieces to large scale productions.
Kwaku Festival
July 12 - August 3, 2025 (weekends)
Nelson Mandela Park, Amsterdam Southeast
This multicultural summer festival celebrates Surinamese culture and broader Caribbean and African influences through music, dance, sports, and food. The Kwaku Festival 2025 edition features special Friday night concerts including Jonna Fraser & The Lions (July 25) and CHO & The Chosens (July 25)
Stand-Up Shows
Ricky Gervais: Mortality
Friday, July 11 & Saturday, July 12, 2025 - 19:30
AFAS Live, Amsterdam
The provocative British comedian brings his “Mortality” tour to Amsterdam. Known for his uncompromising humor and willingness to tackle taboo subjects, Gervais promises an evening of sharp wit and uncomfortable truths delivered with his characteristic irreverence.
Punit Pania
Stand-Up in English
Saturday, July 19, 2025 - 19:00 - 20:30
Clink Comedy Club, Amsterdam
Mumbai based comedian Punit Pania brings his sharp observational humor and witty social commentary to Amsterdam as part of his UK & Europe tour. Performing his show “Guilty Bystander", Pania offers a fresh perspective on global issues through his distinctive Indian lens.
Open Air Art, Theater Tents & Avant-Garde Dance
De Parade
July 25 - August 10, 2025
Martin Luther King Park - Amsterdam
This traveling theater festival transforms the park into a vibrant cultural village with colorful tents, terraces, and restaurants. Featuring approximately 80 performances spanning theater, dance, mime, music, and more, De Parade offers intimate shows for audiences of all ages in a festive atmosphere.
ArtZuid
May 21 - September, 21, 2025 (ongoing through July)
Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
Amsterdam's prestigious open-air sculpture biennial transforms the city's southern district into an outdoor museum. The ArtZuid 2025 edition, themed “Enlightenment", features over 70 striking sculptures and installations by internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talents, accessible 24/7 free of charge.
Pride, Protest & Party: The Queer Summer Lineup
Milkshake Festival
July 26-27, 2025
Westerpark Amsterdam
With the motto “For all who love”, this inclusive music festival celebrates diversity across multiple stages featuring house, techno, disco, hip-hop, and more. Known for its extravagant production, colorful atmosphere, and welcoming environment, Milkshake has become a highlight of Amsterdam's summer festival season.
In 2025, however, Milkshake, alongside other festivals owned by Superstruct, faced criticism and calls for boycott from Dutch artists and attendees after the company was acquired by private equity firm KKR, which has been linked to controversial investments. Some performers withdrew in protest, raising broader discussions about ethics in the festival industry.
Drag Queen Olympics
Friday, July 18, 2025 - 17:00 (registration), 19:00-21:00 (competition), 21:00-24:00 (afterparty)
Homomonument - Amsterdam
This extravagant and hilarious competition features drag performers compelling in unconventional athletic events like the 100m Stiletto Sprint, Handbag Toss, and Bitch Volleyball. A beloved highlight of Amsterdam's queer calendar, Drag Queen Olympics combines sport, performance art, and celebration.
Free Event
Dyke March Amsterdam
Saturday, July 5, 2025 - 14:00 gathering, march follows
Oudekerksplein - Amsterdam
This grassroots lesbian visibility and protest march creates space for dykes, lesbians, and queer women to demonstrate solidarity and visibility. The Dyke March emphasizes community building and political awareness while celebrating lesbian and queer women's culture.
Free Event
How to Prep for a Perfect July: Weather, Packing & Moving Around
July in Amsterdam typically brings mild to warm summer weather, ideal for exploring the city's canals, parks, and outdoor events. However, due to the effects of climate change, Amsterdam is experiencing increasingly warmer summers, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and heavier rainfall, particularly during storms. These shifts can lead to occasional flooding as well as periods of drought, caused by increased evaporation and falling groundwater levels. So while you'll want to pack light summer clothing, it's wise to also bring a light jacket or umbrella for sudden downpours.
As one of the most visited cities in Europe, Amsterdam is especially busy during this peak tourist season, so be sure to book your accommodation and event tickets well in advance. Getting around is easy thanks to the GVB public transport system of trams, buses, and metros. For a more local feel, rent a bike and explore the city like an Amsterdammer.
The city is actively working toward climate neutrality by reducing CO₂ emissions and investing in sustainable energy solutions, so by using public transport or cycling, you're also contributing to a greener Amsterdam.
Discover What's Happening Around You with Outhere
Looking for fresh ways to explore art, culture, and entertainment around you? The Outhere app and website are your best guide to discover what's going on. For everyone, curious locals, a visiting explorer, or planning a fun day out with the family, Outhere helps you find the events and cultural experiences happening in your city. With a wide curation, accessible tips, and a range of options, Outhere makes it easy to enjoy your free time and connect with your city. Open the app or browse the website to find your next unforgettable experience.
